Real Estate, Sustainability, And New York Lifestyle

New Development Spotlight: 44-28 Purves Street, A Great Example of Sustainable Living in Long Island City

On Earth Day last month, Long Island City had an important groundbreaking: an example of sustainable NYC living at 44-28 Purves Street. From seasoned green developer Brause Realty’s plan for utilizing solar screens and wind turbines to produce power for the common areas to water-retention tanks and a green roof, this new development really does promise to offer one of NYC’s most environmentally-friendly luxury rentals.

The just-released renderings of 44-28 Purves Street inspire a natural sense of cool calm with steel and glass juxtaposed against warm wood and leather finishings. There’s no doubt that the design, by FXFOWLE—the architects behind the massive green roof on the Javits Center—was inspired by the idea of positioning a fresh vision of modern New York amidst the gritty industrial heritage of Long Island City. It all works beautifully and even includes feng shui-inspired details and amenities such as a landscaped serenity courtyard.

The complex, which will be built on LIC’s busiest block, will rise above surrounding developments—close to 400 feet in the air over 31 floors—and will hold a mix of 270 rentals, including studios and one- and two-bedrooms. Add in 2,600 square feet of ground-floor retail and 26,300 square feet of communal areas that variously house a fitness center, yoga studio, pool, billiards, wet bar, and a weather-resistant movie screen, not to mention the huge private terrace included with the one-bedroom penthouse.

Creating the best eco-friendly structure in the neighborhood with the latest in environmental technology is no small feat, especially considering the circumstances of this particular development, designated a brownfield site by the EPA due to toxic conditions left by previous manufacturing firms. Now in the process of trucking out contaminated soil, the developers are going for a silver LEED certification, the third-highest ‘green level’ a building can obtain—and the first in Queens. Their efforts here are not only admirable, but a way to make 44-28 Purves singular amidst the myriad developments in the area. Completion is expected in two years. As development gets underway, I will keep you posted about pricing and available units.